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Opposition fighters are closing in on Syria’s capital in a that has taken much of the world by surprise. Syria’s army has abandoned key cities with little resistance. Nervous residents in Damascus describe security forces on the streets. The state news agency has been forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad has left the country. Who are these ? If they enter Damascus after taking some of , what then? Here’s a look at the stunning reversal of fortune for Assad and his government in just the past 10 days, and what might lie ahead as Syria’s 13-year . This is the first time that opposition forces have reached the outskirts of the Syrian capital since 2018, when the country’s troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The approaching fighters are led by the most powerful insurgent group in Syria, , or HTS, along with an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Both have been entrenched in the northwest. They launched the shock offensive on Nov. 27 with gunmen capturing Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, and the central city of Hama, the fourth largest. The HTS has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. But the group said in recent years it cut ties with al-Qaida, and HTS has sought to remake itself in recent years by focusing on promoting civilian government in their territory as well as military action. HTS leader Abu told CNN in an exclusive interview Thursday from Syria that the aim of the offensive is to overthrow Assad’s government. The HTS and Syrian National Army have been allies at times and rivals at times, and their aims might diverge. The Turkish-backed militias also have an interest in creating a buffer zone near the Turkish border to keep away Kurdish militants at odds with Ankara. has been a main backer of the fighters seeking to overthrow Assad but more recently has urged reconciliation, and Turkish officials have strongly rejected claims of any involvement in the current offensive. Whether the HTS and the Syrian National Army will work together if they succeed in overthrowing Assad or turn on each other again is a major question. While the flash offensive against Syria’s government began in the north, armed opposition groups have also mobilized elsewhere. The southern areas of Sweida and Daraa have both been taken locally. Sweida is the heartland of Syria’s Druze religious minority and had been the site of regular anti-government protests even after Assad seemingly consolidated his control over the area. Daraa is a Sunni Muslim area that was widely seen as the cradle of the uprising against Assad’s rule that erupted in 2011. Daraa was recaptured by Syrian government troops in 2018, but rebels remained in some areas. In recent years, Daraa was in a state of uneasy quiet under a Russian-mediated ceasefire deal. And much of Syria’s east is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group backed by the United States that in the past has clashed with most other armed groups in the country. Syria’s government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. Much depends on Assad’s next moves and his forces’ will to fight the rebels. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces have started carrying out the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. And Syrian troops withdrew Saturday from much of the central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, according to a pro-government outlet and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. If that city is captured, the link would be cut between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where he enjoys wide support. “Homs to the coastal cities will be a very huge red line politically and socially. Politically, if this line is crossed, then we are talking about the end of the entire Syria, the one that we knew in the past,” said a Damascus resident, Anas Joudeh. Assad appears to be as allies Russia and Iran are distracted by other conflicts and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah has been weakened by its war with Israel, now under a fragile ceasefire. Related Articles The U.N. special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, seeks urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition,” saying the situation is changing by the minute. He met with foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran on the sidelines of the Doha Summit. President-elect Donald Trump in his on the developments in Syria said the besieged Assad didn’t deserve U.S. support to stay in power. “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” Trump posted on social media. ___ Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed.
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TOKYO, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: MRM) announces that its subsidiary MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc. raised to date an aggregate total of 260.3 million yen (approximtaely USD $ [1.7] million calculated at an exchange rate of JPY[153.64] to US$1) at a pre-money equity valuation of JPY9 billion (approximately USD $ [58.6] million calculated at an exchange rate of JPY[153.64] to US$1) in its Series A equity financing. NFES Technologies Inc. is the lead investor in the financing round, and several public companies in Japan, including M3, Inc. (TOKYO PRIME: 2413) and Elematec Corporation (TOKYO PRIME: 2715), as well as certain individual investors are also participating. The Series A equity financing round is still ongoing. MEDIROM MOTHER Labs has closed financings with six investors to date and intends to conclude the financing round by December 31, 2024. “We are very excited that our MEDIROM MOTHER Labs subsidiary has received such significant validation from strategic partners as our lead investor NFES Technologies Inc. as well as M3,Inc and Elematec Corporation. The pre money valuation of 9 billion yen is approximately multiples of MEDIROM’s current NASDAQ listing market capitalization which I believe further validates our technology, business model and growth potential.” said Kouji. The MOTHER Bracelet® is currently in commercialization. From July 1, 2024 through October 31, 2024, MEDIROM MOTHER Labs received purchase orders for an aggregate of over 25,000 units from its B2B sales channel. “We believe the MOTHER Bracelet® to be the world’s first fitness tracker that requires no electric charging by utilizing an innovative technology that enables the user’s body heat to generate electricity. We co-developed it with Matrix Industries, based in Silicon Valley and believe its features are cutting-edge technology with rich features and ease of use to track fitness levels, sleep patterns, pulse and body temperature We will continue to target markets such as hospitals, nursing homes and gyms, where such data is vital,” said Yoshio Uekusa, CEO of MEDIROM MOTHER Labs. ABOUT MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc. A subsidiary of MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: MRM) (“MEDIROM”), MEDIROM Mother Labs Inc. focuses on the health-tech sector. The company’s core activities include the "Specific Health Guidance Program" offered through the "Lav" health application and development and sales of the 24/7 recharge-free MOTHER Bracelet®︎ smart tracker. By leveraging the features of the recharge-free MOTHER Bracelet®︎, MOTHER Labs offers customizable health management solutions across diverse sectors, including caregiving, logistics, manufacturing, and similar industries. Forward-Looking Statements Regarding MEDIROM and MOTHER Labs Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about MEDIROM’s possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “design,” “target,” “aim,” “hope,” “expect,” “could,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “goal,” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to MEDIROM’s future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause MEDIROM’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond MEDIROM’s control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects MEDIROM’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to MEDIROM’s operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release include: More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect MEDIROM’s business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition, and stock price is included in MEDIROM’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including in the “Risk Factors” and “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” sections of MEDIROM’s most recently filed periodic report on Form 20-F and subsequent filings, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov . MEDIROM assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. NASDAQ Symbol: MRM Tradepia Odaiba, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Web https://medirom.co.jp/en Contact: ir@medirom.co.jp MEDIROM MOTHER Labs Inc. Tradepia Odaiba, 2-3-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan For more information visit: https://mother-bracelet.comNo-grow zone LABOUR cannot shirk the blame for our dismal economic figures. In the first half of 2024, under Rishi Sunak , UK growth led the G7 . Under the new “growth-focused” Government, we have shrunk for two straight months. On taking power Labour chose not to talk Britain’s prospects up but to trash the Tories, exaggerate our problems and conjure up a “£22billion black hole”. How did they imagine investors would react to a Government saying the country was on its knees? They fled. And our firms froze with fear about the Budget. READ MORE SUN SAYS The crippling tax rises that they unleashed, including the job-wrecking National Insurance hike, are likely to trigger more woe in November’s figures. Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she has rolled the pitch for bumper long-term growth. The OBR is more pessimistic. We must hope she’s right and the economists are wrong. Wrecker Ed IT is arguable that Russia might never have invaded Ukraine were it not for Ed Miliband’s political parlour games. Most read in The Sun In 2013 he whipped Labour to defeat Tory plans to join the US in bombing Syria to stop it using chemical weapons. Without us, President Obama backed off. Assad continued his savagery, his ally Putin saw the West had lost its nerve and months later he attacked Crimea. So Health Secretary Wes Streeting is right to call out our “hesitation”, meaning his Cabinet colleague’s opportunism. These days Miliband’s unbending ignorance is driving us off a Net Zero cliff. High time Keir Starmer stopped him inflicting the same carnage on our energy supply as he may have done on all those lives in Syria and Ukraine . Name them NO ONE failed Sara Sharif as egregiously as the family court which handed her over to her monstrous father and stepmother. A judge and social workers made that ruling in 2019 despite knowing Urfan Sharif’s appalling record of abuse. Now, incredibly, another judge has ordered they must remain anonymous to dodge criticism. But they SHOULD be accountable for the error which proved a death sentence for little Sara. How else to stop them making another? Andy sums WHERE is disgraced, jobless Prince Andrew getting his money ? Cut off by the King after the Epstein paedo scandal, he can still afford the huge bills on the vast Royal Lodge. READ MORE SUN STORIES His top business advisor is an alleged Chinese spy — and people are snuck into and out of his mansion “unnoticed”. Are these murky dealings remotely in the national interest? Or just Andrew’s?
Following the Mass, the school and families gathered at the school grounds for the announcements of the academic, sports and life skills awards. Grade six student, Regina Williams (10) was delighted to receive the school’s Dux or Most Outstanding Student award – the Quincy Tuiravakai Memorial trophy. “I felt really excited, I wanted to jump,” said Williams. “I want to thank my favourite cousin Desiree (Taurarii), she’s been helping me with my homework, and my family.” This year, thanks to the PTA (Parents, Teachers Association), every child received a small gift so no child would miss out. Reflecting on the changes and challenges in her first year as principal, Anna Rauru expressed her gratitude to the teachers and the education community, to the parents and the PTA (Parents, Teachers Association). “You are all incredible, a dedicated and hardworking team. I appreciate your expertise, encouragement and mostly your support for our students. Thank you, may God bless you all and your families,” she said. “We have a great leadership team which thrives on change, diversity and progress. The team is focussed on learning, using current theory and evidence to improve professional practice. “The teaching and learning programmes continue to progress and acquire achievements despite the ever changing social, learning and emotional needs that we are confronted with. “The world our students are stepping into is very different to the world we, or parents stepped into when leaving school. It is critical that we provide an education that prepares our students for their future, and enables them to embrace diversity.” Rauru said next year further developments are in the pipeline when the refreshed curriculum for English and Mathematics is trialled. She was impressed with the learners. “They have all progressed very much, spiritually, educationally and socially. I’m proud of each and every one of you and it’s important to remember that no matter what, we celebrate all the achievements of our children, and support them to be the best that they can be. Our learners are what makes our school special.” Sadly, this is Sister Luisa Nava’s last year at St Joseph’s. She has been a part of the school community for eight years and has been a great asset for the school. Following the academic awards the students staged a well presented biblical play. Students and families then enjoyed refreshments together. Melina Etches St Joseph’s School Year 3 – Year 6 awards. Year 3 Awards: Literacy and Māori - Alesi Ralulu; Māori and Attendance - Tama Maxwell; Special Māori Award - Tamanui Savage Maui; English ad Numeracy - Prince Jonald Carbonera; Spelling - James Short; Theme Studies - Afanaisa Bogitini; Religious Education - Luka Rose Akava; Diligence - Temana Toa and Lindsay Reese Uayan; Most Improved Student: Liam Maruariki and Lachlan Berry; Environment - Daniel Tiaiti; Leadership - Fetia Matakino. Year 4 Awards: Literacy and Religious Education - Teruina Elisa; English and Numeracy - Frederick Vaurasi; Māori and Diligence - Taurian Utanga; Theme Studies - Saileon Sijp. Special award for Māori, attendance and neatness - Maine Rebollos; Most Improved Student Award - Rimaira Cowan; Environment Award - Raphaella Kavana; Leadership Award - William Taripo. Overall Outstanding Student - Teruina Elisa, Runner-up Outstanding Student - Taurian Utanga. Year 5 Awards. Literacy and Māori - Karl Ingaua; Numeracy - Beniamina Tuteru; Theme Studies and Diligence awards - Jespina Van Eijk; Religious Education - John Saunivalu. Diligence and Leadership - Isaiah Vaurasi; Spelling - Mike Tabirao; Most Improved Student - Max Fonorito; Environment Award - Randolph George and Stanley Putaura. Overall Outstanding Student - Karl Ingaua; Runner-up Outstanding Students - Beniamina Tuteru and Denzel Tupa Nicholas. Year 6 awards: Dux – Overall Outstanding Student in Year 6 – Regina Williams received the Quincy Tuiravakai Memorial trophy and prizes; Runner-up Outstanding Student Bishop Paul Donoghue trophy – equal Patrina Tua and Desiree Taurarii; Life Skills and Inclusive Educative - Tuira Purua and Roseline Aue; Literacy, Theme studies and Diligence - Iokimi and Anna Narovu; Māori and Theme studies - Michelle Williams; English Reading - Ron Crocombe; Numeracy and Religious Education - Desiree Taurarii; Diligence - Elleina Napa; Most Improved Student - Charma Puia and Ngaara Tuake; Most Well Mannered - Anne Marie Elisa; Environment Award - Alana Lockington and Metua Peua; Leadership Award - Gabral Tiaore; Sportsman/Sportswoman - Elijah Ta’ala and Joelyn Hill. Father Freddy Kaina and Bishop and Bishop Reynaldo Getalado presented the awards to the Year 6 students.Colorado star Travis Hunter says Coach Prime `ain’t going nowhere'
An irrigation system waters alfalfa at the Saudi-owned Fondomonte farm in Butler Valley. Caitlin O'Hara/Washington Post/Getty Arizona’s attorney general has sued a Saudi-owned farm operating a massive hay operation in the middle of the Arizona desert, alleging that the business is hastening the loss of the rural community’s rapidly depleting groundwater supply. The farm owned by Fondomonte uses billions of gallons of groundwater in La Paz County each year to irrigate the desert to grow hay, which it then ships back to the Middle East to feed dairy cows. The Saudi-owned operation first came to light in a 2015 investigation by the Center for Investigative Reporting and quickly sparked outrage in the state , spurring national and even international media coverage. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes told CIR last year that she was considering suing to stop the damage. On Wednesday, she announced the public nuisance lawsuit. It asks a judge to stop Fondomonte from excessive pumping and require the company to establish an abatement fund, which would cover damages incurred by neighbors such as their wells going dry or their water quality worsening as the groundwater is depleted. “Arizona law is clear: no company has the right to endanger an entire community’s health and safety for its own gain,” Mayes said in a statement. Arizona Department of Water Resources director Tom Buschatzke initially said that CIR’s 2015 investigation was making “hay” and overblowing the issue, writing in the Arizona Republic that “there is a sufficient water supply available in this area of La Paz County for at least the next 100 years.” But domestic wells of neighbors around Fondomonte soon began to go dry. The farm and its neighbors were profiled in the film The Grab , a feature-length documentary about global food and water conflicts, reported and produced by The Center for Investigative Reporting. In 2017, the well at the Friendship Baptist Church located next to the farm went dry, requiring the pastor to truck in bottled water for baptismals and other events. John Weisser, a rancher near the Saudi farm, told the filmmaking team his well went dry, too, “because the water’s dropping. There’s not enough rain that could replenish it.” Wayne Wade, who lived in a trailer park near the farm, reported the same problem. “The water level went below my pump and the pump burned up and melted the casing,” Wade said. “I think everybody knows the problem, but I don’t know how to correct it. I can’t pay for a high-powered lawyer. Neither can any of my friends.” La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin has been asking for help since news of the Saudi-owned farm first broke nearly ten years ago. Now that the state’s attorney general has stepped in, “I feel that La Paz County finally has someone fighting for us,” Irwin said. “My constituents are experiencing real damages from massive groundwater pumping.” Mayes, who was elected in 2022, said that allowing Fondomonte and other mega farms in rural Arizona to pump unlimited amounts of water at no cost beyond the electricity bills they pay to operate the wells has been a failure of the state government. “Why are we allowing a Saudi owned corporation to stick a straw in the ground and suck so much of our water out and send alfalfa back to Saudi Arabia and not charge them a dime for the water? It is bonkers,” Mayes told Reveal last year. “Water in Arizona is life. Our very survival as a state depends on our doing better when it comes to water.” In the mid-1990s, Saudi Arabia was the world’s sixth-largest exporter of wheat . But as their groundwater was drained down, the government told companies to go overseas in search of new water supplies. “Fondomonte came to Arizona to extract water at an unreasonable and excessive rate because doing so was banned in its home country – another arid desert with limited water,” the lawsuit alleges. “Fondomonte is taking advantage of Arizona’s failure to protect its precious groundwater resource.” Fondomonte said in a statement that the allegations are “totally unfounded.” “We will defend any potential action against Fontomonte and our rights vigorously before the competent authorities,” the statement said.US President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to address daylight saving time, describing it as "inconvenient and very costly to our nation." Speaking on Friday, Trump said the Republican party would "use its best efforts" to bring an end to the practice. "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn't!" Trump said on social media. "Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation." Daylight saving time - putting the clocks forward one hour during the summer half of the year to make the most of the longer evenings - has been in place in nearly all of the United States since the 1960s, but has been a topic of debate in recent years. Some lawmakers want to stay on standard time year-round, more are on record calling for remaining on daylight saving time all year, while others want to keep the status quo. President Joe Biden never took a public position on the issue. In March 2022, the US Senate voted unanimously to make daylight saving time permanent but the effort stalled in the House after lawmakers said they could not reach consensus. A bipartisan group of senators in March made a new push to make daylight saving time permanent. Supporters of remaining on daylight saving time argue it would lead to brighter afternoons and evenings and more economic activity during the winter months. Critics say it would force children to walk to school in darkness, since the measure would delay sunrise by an hour. Proponents of eliminating daylight saving time altogether say the twice-annual changing of clocks causes sleep disturbance and health issues. Congress has not held any new hearings on the issue for more than two years and the Senate would need to take up the issue again. Year-round daylight saving time was used during World War Two and adopted again in 1973 in a bid to reduce energy use because of an oil embargo, but was unpopular and was repealed a year later. Since 2015, about 30 states have introduced or passed legislation to end the twice-yearly changing of clocks, with some states proposing to do it only if neighbouring states do the same.
Commerce Dept. Grants $6 Billion to Micron for Memory-Chip ManufacturingAP Business SummaryBrief at 4:32 p.m. ESTKendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay woman $250K in sexual assault case, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has found that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor sexually assaulted a woman in a hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The Dublin jury awarded the woman more than $250,000 for her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her on Dec. 9, 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified he never forced her to do anything and that the woman had fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. The jury found for the woman on Friday. At least 15 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 15 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 160,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.
Here’s what you shouldn’t do about those unidentified drones over New Jersey: Shoot themTrump returns to world stage in Paris with Ukraine war on agendaAir travellers of the future envision AI -operated flight crews and airborne gyms, according to a new report by communications firm Viasat. The study, titled the 2024 Passenger Experience Survey, found that airplane passengers are eager for high-quality connectivity, more personalized and innovative in-flight experiences, and improved customer loyalty programs. The survey revealed that 75% of passengers would be more inclined to choose or rebook with an airline if it offered quality in-flight Wi-Fi. In fact, one in five respondents wouldn't even contemplate a long-haul flight without connectivity. Russian economy meltdown as Moscow hit with crisis Dad makes friend dig own grave and kill himself after raping his daughter, six Additionally, two-fifths of those surveyed said that being able to access their own streaming services like Netflix would enhance their in-flight experience. A third echoed this sentiment, stating that the ability to listen to their own music on platforms such as Spotify would similarly improve their journey. But passenger aspirations don't end at personalised entertainment services. A whopping 92% of respondents expressed curiosity about potential innovations they might encounter on future flights. Over half (55%) are excited about the prospect of enhanced entertainment and sensory in-flight experiences. These could include panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows, mixed reality windows displaying digital information about passing landmarks, and VR entertainment systems on immersive, wrap-around seatback screens. DON'T MISS: American Airlines flight forced into early landing at Chicago O'Hare Plane passengers zip-tie 'unruly' man to chair after he 'kicked seats' Plane passengers evacuated after engine goes up in flames during take-off Just over half (51 per cent) of passengers are seeking services that enhance their comfort and wellness, such as biomimetic seating that molds to their bodies, health and wellness sensors, and in-flight spa and gym areas. Passengers also see potential in AI for enhancing their in-flight experience, including recognizing their food and beverage preferences (33 per cent), providing recommended destination itineraries (33 per cent), and even streamlining the airport transfer process (33 per cent). Don Buchman, vice president and general manager, commercial aviation at Viasat, commented on the findings: "This report is a glimpse into the future of connected air travel, where low cost, high quality connectivity is increasingly non-negotiable." Buchman said: "Flying in the near-future will be characterised by unprecedented levels of personalisation and choice within a more technologically advanced environment all of which can only be enabled by highly robust, reliable connectivity." Futurist and innovation expert, Shelli Brunswick, said: "The future of the in-flight experience is about crafting adaptable, immersive spaces that transform each journey into a personalised escape." She added: "Connectivity is foundational to this; delivering seamless high-speed, stable connections that support passengers' needs for productivity, entertainment, and real-time engagement. "To meet escalating passenger expectations, airlines can draw inspiration from the space sector, where technology has transformed operational efficiency and human-centered design in extreme environments."
DALLAS (AP) — The championship vision that led Nathan Eovaldi to sign with Texas as a free agent two years ago is the same one that brought him back to the Rangers. A World Series title in his first season was followed by a losing record this year. “I believe in the guys in the group that we have. We were able to do it in ‘23. I don’t feel a lot has changed,” Eovaldi said Friday, a day after finalizing a $75 million, three-year contract . “We had a down year last year, but I've said it before, you learn a lot from losing seasons.” Eovaldi had declined a $20 million player option to become a free agent again and reached an agreement during the winter meetings in Dallas. Texas also acquired slugging corner infielder Jake Burger in a swap with Miami. Burger had fallen asleep before getting a call late Tuesday night that he had been traded to Texas, where his family is planning to move after the October birth of a daughter with Down syndrome. “The other city that is really good other than Nashville in terms of children's hospital and resources for her Downs is in Dallas," Burger said. “Not just from the baseball spectrum, from the life aspect as well ... I feel like it was meant to be, and we couldn’t be more more excited about that.” In the Nashville area, Burger lives close to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, whom he plans to visit with soon. His former Marlins manager, Skip Schumaker , was hired last month by the Rangers as a senior adviser for baseball operations, and Luis Urueta, Miami’s bench coach the past two seasons, recently joined Bochy’s on-field coaching staff for 2025. Burger and Rangers pitcher Dane Dunning were once roommates in the Chicago White Sox organization. Burger hit .250 with 29 home runs and 76 RBIs in 137 games for the Marlins last season, when he started 59 games at third base and 50 starts at first. He was with the White Sox in Texas when he got traded to Miami on Aug. 1, 2023, and four days later hit his first homer with the Marlins at Globe Life Field. When the Rangers made the title run in 2023, Eovaldi was 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six postseason starts. He was the winning pitcher in their World Series-clinching Game 5 at Arizona. He was also part of Boston’s 2018 title. Eovaldi was 12-8 this year with a 3.80 ERA in 29 starts, the last seven scoreless innings in the regular-season finale. He is 24-13 with a 3.72 ERA in 54 starts for Texas the past two seasons. The new deal for the Texas native, who who turns 35 in February, includes a $12 million signing bonus, half payable on Nov. 15, 2026, and the rest on Jan. 15, 2028, and salaries of $18 million next season, $25 million in 2026 and $20 million in 2027. He gets a full no-trade provision. After being welcomed back by Chris Young, the team's president of baseball operations, the pitcher said he never felt like he really left. The Rangers stayed in contact throughout the process after he declined his option Nov. 4. “Kind of listening to the market and everything, I’m extremely happy to be back. I’m glad we were we were able to make it all work out,” Eovaldi said. “We had a lot of teams reach out right away and we were in contact with most them across the league. Ultimately we were able to make it back here.” AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlbThe singer said he is awaiting more tests to determine the extent of the issues. The Wanted star Max George has said he is “staying positive” while in hospital waiting for tests that could shine a light on issues with his heart. In a post to Instagram on Thursday the singer, 36, explained that he went to hospital after feeling “really unwell” and added that he needed “a lot more tests” to determine “what surgery I will need to get me back on my feet.” Updating his fans, George posted a video from his hospital bed on Friday, and said he “had a bit of a rough day”. He added: “My heart rate dropped a bit this morning, which was, it was a little bit scary. “But everyone here is amazing, so wanted to get it back up a little bit and get it stable again, which is great. “Reason I’m not... like a lot of friends and family are asking why I’m not just going in and having anything (like surgery) done yet, because there’s so many tests that need to be done before we do anything. “So I just need to get through till, I guess, next week. Get all the tests done, and then they’ll know exactly what to do, because otherwise, obviously, they’ll be able to do something, but it’ll be better doing it with all the information that they need. “But, yeah, it’s shit, but still here and staying positive. “And thanks everyone as well for all the lovely messages and any friends and family and that that have messaged that I haven’t got back to. “I see you all and yeah, means a lot. Much love and have a nice Friday night.” George rose to fame in the 2010s with The Wanted, who had a number of hit songs including All Time Low, Glad You Came and Heart Vacancy. His bandmate Tom Parker died in 2022 at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. George, who helped carry Parker’s coffin at his funeral alongside fellow bandmates Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes, previously said on This Morning that he continued to message his late bandmate following his death as it brought him “a bit of comfort”. He also appeared in the US musical series Glee as Clint and in his band’s reality series The Wanted Life. Over the years, he has competed in a number of competition series including Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive and Richard Osman’s House Of Games. George’s girlfriend is former EastEnders star Maisie Smith, who appeared on BBC One dancing competition series Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 at the same time as George, though they have previously said that romantic sparks only began to fly in 2022. He was due to appear on a MasterChef Christmas special before the BBC pulled the show from its festive schedule amid allegations about the conduct of judge Gregg Wallace across a range of shows.Appalachian State hires South Carolina offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains as head coach
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Get a PlayStation 5 in time for Christmas with this Walmart dealFREMONT, Calif., Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ACM Research, Inc. (“ACM”) (NASDAQ: ACMR), a leading supplier of wafer processing solutions for semiconductor and advanced packaging applications, today issued comments regarding recent updates to U.S. export regulations. On December 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) imposed additional controls on exports to, and transfers within, the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) relating to advanced integrated circuit (“IC”) products, certain IC manufacturing equipment and technology, and supercomputers associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced computing. As part of the new regulations, among other updates, ACM Research (Shanghai), Inc. (“ACM Shanghai”) and its operating subsidiaries in China and Korea, were added to the Entity List published by BIS. Neither ACM, nor its direct subsidiaries outside of mainland China, were added to the Entity List. ACM is a Delaware corporation founded in California in 1998 to supply capital equipment developed for the global semiconductor industry. Since 2005, ACM has conducted its business operations principally through its subsidiary, ACM Shanghai, a limited liability corporation organized in the PRC. Based on public reports, 140 entities with semiconductor operations related to mainland China were added to the Entity List, 120 of which were semiconductor capital equipment suppliers. We note that neither ACM Shanghai nor its subsidiary was notified of any specific wrongdoing that resulted in its addition to the Entity List. We are assessing the potential impacts to our business and operational plans that may result from the new regulations. We believe the impact to our supply chain and the ability of ACM Shanghai to produce tools in the PRC will be minimized and manageable as a result of having alternative sources and suppliers. We do not anticipate an impact to the ability to sell, deliver and service products to customers outside of the PRC, however the potential impact on sales to our PRC customers will depend, in part, on the effect of the new regulations on their own spending plans. Consistent with prior years, we expect to issue a press release in January with preliminary results for 2024 and our initial revenue outlook for 2025. We will continue to focus on technology innovation for the global market and operate in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. We are confident we can maintain our role as a key supplier of differentiated capital equipment to global customers and protect the interests of partners, employees, and investors as we navigate the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “plans,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “designed,” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on ACM management’s current expectations and beliefs and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A description of certain of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in filings ACM makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by ACM. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. ACM undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in its expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events. About ACM Research, Inc. ACM develops, manufactures and sells semiconductor process equipment spanning cleaning, electroplating, stress-free polishing, vertical furnace processes, track, PECVD, and wafer- and panel-level packaging tools, enabling advanced and semi-critical semiconductor device manufacturing. ACM is committed to delivering customized, high-performance, cost-effective process solutions that semiconductor manufacturers can use in numerous manufacturing steps to improve productivity and product yield. For more information, visit www.acmr.com. © ACM Research, Inc. The ACM Research logo is a trademark of ACM Research, Inc. For convenience, the trademark appears in this press release without TM symbols, but that practice does not mean ACM will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to such trademarks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
ULTA has updated one of its policies for the holiday season, but there are some strict stipulations customers must be aware of. Much of the benefit from it hinges on having a gift receipt, and it's best to get one no matter where you shop for Christmas . Similar to many retailers, Ulta is extending the window consumers can make returns, per its website . Those who made purchases in-person at Ulta store locations or online between November 1 and December 31, 2024, can benefit if they need to return an item. Instead of the typical 30 days from the date of purchase that Ulta's policy typically allows, it's now up to 90 days with the extension. Merchandise purchased after December 31 will fall under the standard return policy. Read More on Ulta That means if customers purchase something on December 31 and return it after 30 days, they won't be eligible for a full refund but instead store credit. In general, customers can return any new or gently used merchandise with proof of purchase and, within 30 days, back to Ulta for a full refund to the "original form of payment." Items must also include all of the components that they originally came with. Therefore, having a receipt, specifically a gift receipt, is one of the most important things to remember for Ulta customers when returning gifts during the holidays to take advantage of the extension. Most read in Money Those customers who meet the requirements for the holiday return extension at Ulta and have their gift receipt will still face several strict requirements. REFUND REJECTS For one, Ulta "reserves the right" to double-check government IDs and deny a return if there's suspicion of fraud or if they cannot verify the original purchase in their system for whatever reason. Additionally, even within the extension window, returns with a gift receipt brought back 60 days after the purchase date won't be eligible for a full refund but instead merchandise credit or "a different product of equal or lesser value." Customers who bought items with an Ulta gift card also get refunds through a gift card. Gift cards themselves can also not be returned. That applies to single-use coupons, as well. Retailers who have switched up their return policies for Christmas include: Amazon: The usual 30-day return window has been extended until January 31, 2025 for items bought from November 1 to December 31, 2024. The deadline for returning Apple products however, is January 15, 2025. Walmart: Consumers have until January 31, 2025 to return goods purchased online or in store between October 1 and December 31, 2024. Target: Shoppers have until January 24, 2025 to return most electronics and entertainment products purchased between November 7 and December 24. The deadline for mobile phones, Beat and Apple products however is January 8, 2025. Best Buy: The deadline to return items bought from November 1 to December 31, 2024 is January 14, 2025 for many products. Consumers have 15 days in which to return holiday decorations, while for activatable devices such as cell phones it’s 15 days. Check individual retailer websites for full details of return policies as deadlines can vary, depending on product. Ulta also does not allow customers with a gift receipt to return products "for the purpose of repurchasing and applying a coupon, special offer, and/or Ulta Beauty Rewards points." Mini Brands capsules, intimate wellness devices, wigs, and hair extensions that were bought at one of Ulta's salons can also not be returned. 'TIS THE SEASON Competitors like Sephora have also put in a holiday extension for returns. Amazon's extension is virtually identical to Ulta's, with some slight differences. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have also done the same. Read More on The US Sun Ulta also plans to open up about 200 more locations over the next several years to compete with top rivals. The beauty retailer also announced back in May that it expanded its partnership with DoorDash to all 50 states, offering customers product drop-off times in under 60 minutes on average.